Latest Local News

SMITHVILLE — Work to repair a water leak along Commercial Avenue that was scheduled to begin this week has been postponed until Wednesday, Feb. 21. The area impacted includes businesses and duplexes along Commercial Avenue near Missouri Highway 92 from Stonebridge Lane to Kelly Drive.

LIBERTY — The Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. Commercial Community Improvement District was approved by voters in early summer 2016. Part of the approval was a 1 percent addition to the sales tax in the CID and a 50-cent increase per $100 assessed valuation on property tax.

KEARNEY — While the total number of calls Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District crews responded to last year is relatively the same as in 2016, the number of in-district responses and accidents has increased. Total calls in 2017 were 1,779, while in 2016 they stood at 1,767.

LIBERTY — The Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. office has been open in its new street-level access for about three weeks now. The change has already been embraced by some guests and Executive Director Vicki Vance.

SMITHVILLE — After months of consideration, Smithville’s Board of Aldermen approved an agreement Feb. 6 with the Harborview Townhomes Association to settle a costly water bill accrued last year as the result of a leak.

SMITHVILLE — Pack’s Do It Best Hardware takes pride in being a small-town business. General Manager Mike Llewellyn said that being in a community like Smithville results in lasting relationships with the people who frequent the store.

CLAY COUNTY — The Missouri Department of Transportation will close the ramp from southbound Interstate 35 to Pleasant Valley Road from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, for installation of new lights on the ramp. All work is weather dependent.

Local Entertainment

LIBERTY — Starting Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. and running through Saturday, Feb. 17, at the same time, Liberty High School students will be performing “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller in the school’s Little Theater.

LIBERTY — There may not be much whining as the predicted afternoon forecast for Wine About Winter is around 50 degrees. The event, hosted by Historic Downtown Liberty Inc., is in its eighth year. Participants will be able to taste a different wine in each of the 25 participating downtown Lib…

LIBERTY — Playwright John Cariani created the fictional, if not a bit mythical, town of Almost, Maine. The town and its inhabitants will land on the Corbin Theatre stage starting the day after Valentine’s Day. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15 and 16, and the follow…

LIBERTY — In late December, the Liberty City Council approved the renaming of the Liberty Parks and Recreation Charitable Fund to the Liberty Parks and Recreation Foundation and upped the membership from nine to 12.

CLAY COUNTY — Mid-winter is that time of year when we are all getting “cabin fever” and are ready to enjoy the outdoors again. It can be very difficult to find an outdoor activity to enjoy in February. A great way to enjoy the wintertime is urban trout fishing.

Editor’s Note: This story is part of a series that profiles individuals in the Northland who are inspiring for various reasons, including overcoming traumatic health issues, dedicating their lives to service to others and bringing joy to their communities through artistic endeavors.

HOLT — Northland Therapeutic Riding Center seeks volunteers for the charity that focuses on improving the quality of life of children and adults with special needs through equine-oriented therapy and activities. A volunteer orientation will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the f…

Schools

SMITHVILLE — On April 3, Smithville School District patrons will elect two new members to the Board of Education. Three candidates are vying to fill the two-year terms: Wade Kiefer, Ian Saxton and Carmen Xavier.

SMITHVILLE — On April 3, Smithville School District patrons will elect two new members to the Board of Education. Three candidates are vying to fill the two-year terms: Wade Kiefer, Ian Saxton and Carmen Xavier.

SMITHVILLE — On April 3, Smithville School District patrons will elect two new members to the Board of Education. Three candidates are vying to fill the two-year terms: Wade Kiefer, Ian Saxton and Carmen Xavier.

LIBERTY — Starting Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. and running through Saturday, Feb. 17, at the same time, Liberty High School students will be performing “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller in the school’s Little Theater.

Opinion

There is a member in your community doing great work. As the coordinator of the Stop Bullying Coalition, an advocacy group working to end the bullying of elderly and persons with disabilities in Massachusetts, we look to Missouri for a model of legislative action and to Edie Stephenson for a…

2017 was a record year for our economy. Thanks to tax reform, and this administration’s aggressive regulatory reduction, our economy is growing at an exponential rate. 2018 presents a great opportunity to push the throttle on our economic growth as we move to our next big priority: infrastructure.

In this reel, meet five actors who deserve every moment in the spotlight. They're fighters who were meant for the stage. In France, Roger Defossez has been performing the same role for nearly 60 years, while in Indiana, Mickey Rowe has learned how to use his autism to deliver breakthrough pe…